Breast Implant Removal

My body, my choice.

There's a myriad of reasons as to why a patient may decide to remove their implants. Some may experience issues related directly locally to the site of the breast. Others feel that the symptoms in their body, outside the breast region, may be related to the breast implants.

The US Food and Drug Administration have analysed many research studies relating to breast implant illness where the silicone was not found to have a strong association with "breast implant illness." However, some studies have shown that it is related to silicone. For further information regarding this, book a consult with Dr Nara for a detailed assessment. At times, you may need many other doctors involved such as an endocrinologist, immunologist, gynaecologist, breast doctor and your respective general practitioner.

Each and every patient has their respective journey and goals. Each choice has its respective benefits and risks that will be discussed at your consult. Some patients choose to remove and replace their implants in the same operation, which is discussed on the revision breast implants page, while others combine removal with a breast lift to address position once the implants are out. Dr Nara performs these operations under general anaesthetic at the discussed licensed operation theatres for your comfort.

If you are considering breast implants for the first time rather than removal, read more about breast augmentation with implants. Every breast operation we offer is listed on our breast procedures page.

How implant removal differs from having implants placed

Breast implant removal, sometimes called explantation, is a standard operation, but it is a different operation from augmentation. Augmentation creates a pocket and places an implant. Removal takes the implant out, and also has to deal with the capsule: the layer of scar tissue the body naturally forms around every implant.

What happens to the capsule

Depending on the condition of the capsule and the reason for removal, the options generally described in the medical literature are:

• Leaving the capsule in place, which some published reviews consider reasonable when the capsule is not diseased.
• Partial capsulectomy: part of the capsule is removed and part is left behind.
• Total capsulectomy: the whole capsule is removed, though not necessarily in one piece.
• Total intact capsulectomy: the whole capsule is removed in one piece.
• En bloc capsulectomy: the capsule is removed together with a margin of surrounding tissue. A 2024 consensus statement from US breast surgery bodies describes suspected or confirmed implant-associated cancer as the only indication for this approach.

There is no single right answer for everyone. Which option may suit you, and the trade-offs of each, are discussed at consultation.

Whether a breast lift is considered at the same time

Once an implant is removed, the breast often looks flatter or sits lower than before, and loose skin can be more noticeable. Some patients consider a breast lift (mastopexy) in the same operation; others prefer to wait and see how the tissues settle before deciding. Published case series describe both approaches. Factors that generally affect the decision include smoking or nicotine use, which is usually stopped well beforehand, previous breast lifts, body weight and how much loose skin there is. Removal on its own is always one of the options discussed.

Recovery after removal

Recovery after removal is not the same as recovery after augmentation, and it varies from person to person. Drains may be used for a short time, a support bra or compression garment is usually worn, and healing continues over several weeks. Where a capsulectomy or a lift is added, recovery is generally longer. Risks specific to removal include fluid collection (seroma), bleeding (haematoma), asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation and the possibility of further surgery, alongside the general risks of surgery. If implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts may also look scarred or dimpled, as Healthdirect notes.

Reasons people consider removal, and what the TGA says

Common reasons include capsular contracture (hardening around the implant), rupture, rippling or movement of the implant, a change in size preference or lifestyle, or simply no longer wanting implants. The TGA notes that breast implants are generally not lifetime devices.

Some people consider removal because of concern about breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer. The TGA's consumer information says that, in the absence of symptoms, doctors do not recommend removing breast implants for this reason.

Others attribute symptoms elsewhere in the body to their implants, sometimes called breast implant illness. The TGA states that the link between these symptoms and implants is still being investigated, that other causes should be checked, and that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend removal to improve quality of life. Whatever your reason, your concerns are discussed openly at consultation, and a second opinion is encouraged.